How To: Change the World

Make a difference at a university that emphasizes public service.

Community service is a great item to include on your activities resume when applying to a college or university. But even though you might not expect to continue your volunteer efforts after you've been accepted, there are lots of reasons to look for a school that encourages public service.

Where to Volunteer in College

While you can probably volunteer for a cause on your college campus, there will also be plenty of public service opportunities in the surrounding community. Most colleges have a community outreach center that can help you.

Even though volunteering is not a requirement at Saint Louis University, most of your friends probably will anyway because of the culture of service at the university. Nearly 80 percent of SLU students volunteer, which is three times the national average.

Reasons to Volunteer at College

Each year, the university holds a day of service called Make a Difference Day. With thousands of students at more than 100 volunteer sites, it's one of the largest collegiate days of service in the entire country. Find out more.

Some schools incorporate volunteering into their curriculum through service learning projects. Saint Louis University offers between 80 and 100 service learning courses. Other university student organizations and college clubs require members to complete a certain number of volunteer hours.

Undergraduate students who volunteer in college say it strengthens their leadership skills and gives them an appreciation for people's differences and diverse backgrounds. It can also improve your professional network, help you develop references and allow you to explore your interests and learn about yourself. No matter why you do it, get out there and make a difference.